2014 Isle of Man TT Video

A spectacle you have to see to believe!

The TT racing at the Isle of Man is one those rare events that you have to see to believe. Racing on public roads at speeds approaching 200 mph is spectacular on a level that’s almost unbelievable. Or, to some, sheer lunacy.

Through a stroke of good fortune, I attended the TT’s 2000 edition – the last time TT legend Joey Dunlop raced at the IoM before he was tragically killed while leading a wet, 125cc race in Estonia later that year. The memory of Joey screaming past me wide open as I stood curbside on Bray Hill is still vivid in my brain 14 years on. The sensation of his Honda RC45 tearing past me, just a few feet away, at about 160 mph nearly knocked me over – the air forced aside by his bike literally moved me.

Duke on a Duc jumping Ballaugh Bridge at the Isle of Man. The races are held on public roads, which are made accessible before and after each day’s racing, so spectators are able to ride the race circuit. This shot was taken in full view of a policeman who, when asked by my buddy if he could take a picture of me jumping over the bridge, said, “There are two things. If you crash, you crash. And if you crash, we’ll write a ticket.” The IoM is also notable for not having speed limits outside of towns.

While the TT races are no longer part of the grand prix world championship because of the dangers of racing surrounded by curbs, walls and houses, the current racers are sensationally fast. Their heroics around the 37.7-mile circuit are epically entertaining to anyone with oil flowing through their veins.

Attending the TT is something every gearhead should have on their bucket list, but its location off the west coast of England puts it out of reach for most of us in the colonies. In lieu of your presence, you at least should watch the below video which was put together for us by our IOM correspondent Andrew Capone.

And after watching it, we suggest you book some time off work next year so you could see it in person. It’s such an incredible and unique event that I’m sure you’ll feel it was worth every penny you saved to get you there.